That's the opinion of Arsenal legend Martin Keown who thinks the midfielder's actions are poor.

Bilic confirmed Payet was on strike and wanted to leave the Hammers yesterday in his press conference.

Keown told the Daily Mail: "This is a defining moment in the power struggle between player and club. It will be interesting to see how this situation pans out.

"It is disappointing that Payet has reacted in this way. A player may voice their desire to leave but in the meantime they should get on with it and play.

Was this Dimitri Payet's final appearance in a West Ham shirt?

DIMITRI PAYET doesn't want to play for West Ham any longer, according to boss Slaven Bilic.

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Was this Dimitri Payet's final appearance in a West Ham shirt?

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West Ham star Dimitri Payet wants to leave the London Stadium

“This is a nightmare for Bilic. It will be the most difficult situation he has faced as a manager”

Arsenal hero Martin Keown

"The club will flex its muscles and can suspend or fine the player but there are no winners if Payet does not play.

"If Payet leaves, at least there will be a huge transfer fee and everyone can move on.

"Slaven Bilic is right to up front about the situation. By going public, West Ham are trying to control the situation before the player comes out and says something.

"But it is a shame that a solution could not have been found behind the scenes.

"This is a nightmare for Bilic. It will be the most difficult situation he has faced as a manager.

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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic confirmed Dimitri Payet wants to leave the club

"It leaves a horrible taste in the mouth when a player downs tools. West Ham have treated Payet with the utmost respect — giving him a £125,000-a-week, five-year deal in February last year.

"Payet is one of Europe's best players. He may have watched West Ham's humiliation by Manchester City in the FA Cup from the bench and decided that he is not prepared to wait for his side to catch up but it is poor on behalf of the player.

"I cannot see Payet playing for West Ham again and it seems inevitable that he will leave the club."

West Ham return to Premier League action tomorrow when they welcome Crystal Palace to the London Stadium.